In my imagination kissing is nice but more exquisite still is staring intently at my partner.

Long after my [ex-]wife outlawed sex, she still liked to exchange the greeting and parting kiss. Since then kisses have become incredibly rare. Last year, before the COVID, I experienced getting kissed on a couple of one-and-only meetings with women who had zero interest in seeing me again. I've come to recognize the kiss as the kiss off.

Kissing is very important to start a romance.

All important

Very very important. It's where romantic relationships start in most cases. I think that's when I fell for my husband. Long, deep, lingering kisses. Nothing rushed about them. Just the right amount of everything going on
Some men got it. Some don't

I believe kissing is the most sensual, erotic, and tender act of intimacy possible between lovers. It’s unique to each couple, and is a sex act in and of itself. So, yeah, I find it very important in a romantic relationship.

It's just as personal and intimate as sex, if not more so. Remember the movie Pretty Woman?

kissing is as up close and personal as anything xx very important

I think it is the connection to additional activities

Very important.

Very important.

That all depends on where the kiss is.

For me, kissing is quite important, but sometimes I want to kiss deeply for a long time and other times I prefer less intensity.

What are we talking about, quick pecks, or deep toe curling bum squeezers which make you almost cum? I don't think the quick pecks are that important, but doing without the other is like a meal without meat: especially as it's likely that anyone who won't kiss probably won't go down either.

Very important

Very important.

I am sure there is a wide variety of preferences, but my opinion is that it is of paramount importance in a romantic relationship. But that may be just because I like it, a lot, at least when the kisser has some skills.

I would assume pretty important, it's hard to remember, I haven't been intimate since 2008 and I had lost most interest well before then.
I don't think of it much.

Of central importance, of course. It is a declaration intimacy is about to ensue.
Is this a trick question?